Topic: Heavy diamond (crisscross) cut crystal vase

[Paul S.]

Christine does as well, I believe  -  although not sure of the origin of that particular expression  -  S. & F. for example simply refer to these things as carafe and tumbler.            Is it an 'ism' from the other side of the pond

[cubby01]

Thanks Sue, at 6-1/2 lbs (empty) I don't think I'd want to wrangle with that 'tumble-up' on my nightstand.   

I agree with you about not pouring very well off that rim.  I've always thought it to be a vase.  No witness marks for a decanter. 

[ahremck]

I reckon it is a "Bohemia" decanter made c. 1950s or 1960s.   The ideas of numbers between top and bottom seems to be true for older decanters.  I have been told by a pawnbroker I was buying a Stuart decanter from that he had scratched in the numbers so he could keep track of which stopper matched which base - it made good sense.  I have never seen a new decanter or one of recent vintage that has numbers scratch marked into base and stopper.

Check in the narrowest part of the neck and see if you can feel evidence of grinding there.

Weight is not a consideration.  I attach 3 photos of a Webb decanter I own.  It holds 2 full bottles of wine and the stopper is bigger and heavier than most magnum paperweights.

Ross

[ahremck]

By the way in looking at my 10 or so decanters that upper rim is normal for decanters of that era I mentioned.

Ross

[Paul S.]

could well be the origin and date that Ross suggests.              Regarding 'matching Nos.'  -  can say that I have modern (post 1960 bottles) from Stuart and R/Brierley that have this feature  -  but seems they are found only to top quality pieces  -  ost of the 'also rans' are without Nos.
Never quite sure when this habit of numbering began  -  certainly you don't see them on Regency pieces nor, I don't think, on early Victorian decanters  -  I get the feeling they started around c. 1860, but not sure, and very interested to hear what others think.